Writing essays and research papers for college could feel like a burden for many students. They might feel that the requirements and expectations of professors are not very clear. On top of this, if this is your first research for a college task, you surely need writing help. You may be confused by many of the requirements and do not know what to include or how to present an important event.
Many student papers end up being greater than they think, and this is because they follow a few simple guidelines. A history research paper might not be your favorite paper to write, but by doing this, you improve and develop your skills. So, which are the main rules you need to follow to make sure you write and deliver an exceptional history research paper?
Picking the Topic
Well, the most important rule is to pick a topic you have a genuine interest in. In most cases, you might have a given topic from your teacher. However, many professors allow students to choose whatever topic they like. And even though this comes with greater freedom, not all students like it.
The history domain is a vast one and you have plenty of options when it comes to research paper topics. So, how to choose a nice one? Even though you may want to order research paper help online, these tips will help you find a nice topic and write a good paper. So, picking the topic might feel overwhelming, but there are a few tips you could put to practice. First, you need to choose a topic you really like. Or a topic you would like to find out more about, but in which you have a genuine interest. Then, you need to narrow that domain.
For example, if you want to write a research paper about World War II, you need to decide what you want to write about. You could write on many topics, such as comparisons between countries, the main battles, what triggered World War II, and many more. It is important to narrow the topic because this way you avoid writing a shallow research paper. This will also help you with your research and selecting and including the most relevant information.
Starting the Research
Well, if you have decided on your topic, the next rule is to start your research and find relevant information to be included in your paper. Depending on your chosen topic, you may find information easier or more difficult. But it is crucial to know what you are looking for.
For example, do you want to read and include details from personal letters of the leaders present in World War II? Do you want to include stats and interesting facts about some of the most important battles? Do you want to include a short biography section where you take a look into the background of some leaders?
There are many details you could include in your paper, but it is important to decide upon these when you do your research. If you have problems finding some of the materials, you could ask your professor or librarian for suggestions. At the same time, make sure you pay attention to the footnotes and sources used by the books you read on your chosen topic. You can find some nice articles and studies to get information from.
Outlining
This is the step that many students think is of no help at all. But this is wrong. Even though you may feel you lose time doing this, it is crucial for the success of your history research paper. As you have done your research, you have probably come across a lot of stats and information you want to include in your paper. But if you begin to do this, it will probably be a disorganized way of sharing and presenting the information. This is why you need to do an outline.
An outline is the basic structure of any paper that helps you present the information clearly and logically. Professors will pay attention not only to your sources and the information but also to how you present it. A chaotic research paper will not bring any good grades, so make sure you outline a structure to organize the information on.
Start Writing
Well, after you have organized your notes on an outline, you could slowly start writing. Do not wait until you fill all the gaps. Researching is an activity that is happening continuously, so you will search for specific information until you finish writing. But if you start writing, you will know exactly what information is lacking and it will be easier to search for it.
If you feel you are not inspired at the moment, you could start with the body of your research paper, and leave the introduction for later. It is important to write down what you think at the moment. This will be your first draft. You will probably have a second and third draft too, as rereading what you have written can boost you with creativity. And you can get a new idea of how to rearrange the information in a specific section.
Editing and Proofreading
This is the last step of the entire process, but one of utter importance. It is essential to make sure you do not deliver a history research paper that is poorly written and has grammar and spelling mistakes. No one will judge you for one typo or two. However, grammar and spelling mistakes must be avoided at all costs. It is important to take time to edit and proofread your research paper before delivering it.
Ending Note
Writing a history research paper might seem complicated and overwhelming. However, by following these main rules, you will write a good paper, pick a topic you like, and learn more about it. And whenever you feel you need help, do not be afraid to ask for it. Your librarian could recommend some books for your research, while your professor can guide you through the process.
Bio lines: Brice Ray is a blogger. He is passionate about history and frequently writes articles on related topics. Brice’s favorite history book is Sapiens – A brief history of humankind by Yuval Noah Harari.
